Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt has been a problem for opposing offenses since entering the league.

Watt led the league in forced fumbled in 2019 (8) and was top dog in sacks in 2020 (15). Year after year, he is at or near the top in plenty of advances metrics and simple stats across the NFL. With an extension due from the Steelers, it sounds as though Watt will get a historic payday.

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The NFL has arrived at a point in recent years where the most recent superstar becomes the highest paid for his position or for the league. If the extension does come from the Steelers for Watt (and it should), it will be interesting to see if the overall money in the contract is deemed “highest paid” or if they categorize the guaranteed money as “highest paid” for Watt.

The Steelers are in an interesting spot this season with Ben Roethlisberger on the last couple of holes of his career but with a lot of young talent on the roster. That younger talent includes Watt who is the staple of the defense in Pittsburgh.

A payday will be well deserved for Watt and the critics can be the ones to decide whether he's worthy of the “highest paid” label. One thing that can't be disputed is that Watt has been one of the most effective defensive players since entering the league in 2017. The Steelers are wise to not let him go elsewhere.